Texas Faces Critical Blow: CJ Baxter Sidelined Ahead of High-Stakes Week 6 Clash with Florida

So here we are, just when you thought the No. 9 Texas Longhorns had their rhythm going, life throws a curveball—C.J. Baxter, the seasoned workhorse in their backfield, is officially out for the Week 6 clash against Florida. It’s like showing up to the big dance only to find one of your best partners can’t make it—how do you keep the groove without missing a beat? With Malik Muhammad hovering on the questionable list and Emmett Mosley V possibly stepping onto the stage for his Texas debut, the roster is looking more like a chess match with key pieces in flux. You gotta wonder—can the Longhorns’ backups rise to the occasion and do what’s needed to keep that three-game winning streak alive? Coach Steve Sarkisian’s got his hands full, managing not just the plays but the players’ health—and every call feels like a dance with destiny as they try to outwit a Florida defense that’s no walk in the park, despite its struggles. The Swamp’s waiting, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Care to dive deeper into the lineup shake-ups and tactical twists? LEARN MORE.

C.J. Baxter has been ruled out for the No. 9 Texas Longhorns’ Week 6 showdown at Florida, coach and team officials confirmed Friday via the SEC student-athlete availability report and an Inside Texas tweet from Justin Wells. The veteran running back last saw action against UTEP and will not make the trip to Gainesville, leaving the Longhorns without one of their more experienced options in the backfield.

Cornerback Malik Muhammad moved from probable to questionable on Thursday’s report and remains a game-day question, with multiple outlets indicating he is not expected to play against the Gators. Meanwhile, former Stanford wide receiver Emmett Mosley V is listed as probable and could make his Texas debut after missing time with a lower-body injury. Those shifts tweak Texas’ roster picture heading into SEC play.

Texas’ depth at running back takes on new importance with Baxter sidelined. The Longhorns figure to lean more on Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark to shoulder the workload, and Tre Wisner’s expected availability would be a welcome boost if he can go. Wisner started the season opener and has been limited by a leg injury; his presence would help offset the loss of Baxter.

On the field, the absence of Baxter forces a tactical tweak. Expect more short-yardage, ball-control calls early while Texas looks for ways to create chunk plays through the air. Florida’s run defense has struggled this season, so the Longhorns have a clear avenue to exploit, provided their backups can handle the contact and sustain drives.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian now has to manage the roster, protect players, and avoid gifting the Swamp momentum. This SEC opener carries weight for both programs as the University of Texas tries to keep momentum from a three-game winning streak and the Florida Gators attempt to right a rocky start to conference play.

The post Texas RB CJ Baxter out for Week 6 showdown vs. Florida appeared first on ClutchPoints.